Overview
The complainant (Mr C) attended the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (Hospital 1) for spinal surgery. Complications of surgery left him with nerve damage and restricted mobility. Mr C complained that staff of Lothian NHS Board (the Board) carried out his surgical procedure incorrectly and that hygiene standards and staff attitudes were poor during his stay at Hospital 1.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) the Board failed to perform Mr C's spinal surgery correctly (upheld);
- (b) hygiene standards at Hospital 1 were poor (upheld); and
- (c) the Board's staff acted unprofessionally when dealing with Mr C (no finding)
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) introduce a policy of carrying out appropriate diagnostic scans prior to any exploratory surgery;
- (ii) formally apologise to Mr C; and
- (iii) remind all ward staff of the procedure to be followed in the event of a linen shortage.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.